And for my part I did well, for now that I knew the worst my spirits rose, and I had some hopes of escape, for there was every sign of fair weather for long enough.
And viking ways had taught me to go fasting for two days, if need be, given a good meal to start upon.
But Beorn ate little and drank much, while the guards bade him take example from me, but he would not; and after a while sat silent in a corner and ghastly to look upon, for no one cared to meddle with him.
As soon as it grew dusk they bade us eat again, for in half an hour we should set forth to the coast.

At that Beorn started up and cried out, wringing his hands and groaning, though he said no word, except that I should surely slay him in the boat.
Then I spoke to him for the first time since he had claimed the falcon, and said that from me, at least, he was safe.

And I spoke roughly, so that I think he believed me, so plain did I make it that I thought one who was surely cowardly in word and deed was not worth harming, and he ceased his outcry.
At last we were set on horseback, and with two score or more mounted spearmen round us, we rode quickly out of Caistor town.

A few men shouted and ran after us, but the guards spurred their horses, and it was of no use for them to try and follow.

And the night was dark and foggy, though not cold for the time of year.
I feared lest we were going to Reedham, for there my folk would certainly rise in arms to rescue me, and that would have made things hard for them; but we went on southward, riding very fast, until after many long miles we came to the little hill of the other Burgh that stands where Waveney parts in two streams, one eastward to the sea, and the other northward to join the Yare mouth.
The moon had risen by the time we came there, and I could see a large fishing boat at the staithe, and, alas! alongside of her a smaller boat that I knew so well--that in which Lodbrok had come, and in which I had passed so many pleasant hours with him.